U.S. patent number 6,085,366 [Application Number 09/347,164] was granted by the patent office on 2000-07-11 for apparatus for supplying pressurized rinse water to a toilet.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Evac International OY. Invention is credited to Arthur J. McGowan, Jr., Mark Pondelick.
United States Patent |
6,085,366 |
Pondelick , et al. |
July 11, 2000 |
Apparatus for supplying pressurized rinse water to a toilet
Abstract
Apparatus for pressurizing rinse fluid to a toilet is provided
comprising a reservoir for receiving gravity fed rinse fluid. The
reservoir is connected to a source of pressurized air through an
air inlet valve mechanically coupled to a controller. A rinse fluid
discharge valve is connected to an outlet of the reservoir and is
operatively connected to the controller. When triggered, the
controller allows pressurized air to enter the reservoir, thereby
pressurizing the rinse fluid contained therein. The controller then
opens the rinse fluid discharge valve to deliver the pressurized
rinse fluid to the toilet. The controller and rinse fluid discharge
valves are preferably pneumatically operable so that a separate
power source is not required for the pressurized rinse fluid
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Pondelick; Mark (Roscoe,
IL), McGowan, Jr.; Arthur J. (Roscoe, IL) |
Assignee: |
Evac International OY
(Helsinki, FI)
|
Family
ID: |
23362583 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/347,164 |
Filed: |
July 2, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/431; 4/321;
4/432; 4/434; 4/435 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D
5/024 (20130101); E03D 3/10 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E03D
5/02 (20060101); E03D 3/10 (20060101); E03D
3/00 (20060101); E03D 5/00 (20060101); E03D
011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;4/431,432,433,434,435,300,321,332,362,334,363 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Douglas; Steven O.
Assistant Examiner: Huynh; Khoa
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Marshall, O'Toole, Gerstein, Murray
& Borun
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for supplying pressurized rinse fluid to a bowl of a
toilet, the apparatus adapted for use with a supply of rinse fluid,
the supply of rinse fluid being gravity fed to the apparatus, and a
source of pressurized air, the apparatus comprising:
an enclosed reservoir;
a rinse fluid inlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the supply of rinse fluid, a rinse fluid inlet
valve disposed in the rinse fluid inlet branch being normally open,
the rinse fluid inlet valve automatically operable to close,
thereby preventing fluid flow out of the reservoir;
a vent branch attached to the reservoir and open to atmosphere, a
vent discharge valve disposed in the vent branch and operable
between open and closed positions;
an air inlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the source of pressurized air, an air inlet
valve disposed in the air inlet branch and operable between open
and closed positions;
a rinse fluid outlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl, a rinse fluid discharge valve
disposed in the rinse fluid outlet branch and operable between open
and closed positions; and
a controller for selectively operating the vent discharge valve,
air inlet valve, and rinse fluid outlet valve, wherein the vent
discharge valve is normally open and the air inlet valve and the
rinse fluid outlet valve are normally closed to allow the reservoir
to fill with rinse fluid, the controller being triggerable to move
the vent discharge valve to the closed position and move the air
inlet valve to the open position to thereby pressurize the rinse
fluid in the reservoir, the controller also moving the rinse fluid
discharge valve to the open position to send the pressurized rinse
fluid to the toilet bowl.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the vent and air inlet
branches are integrally provided as a dual-function branch.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, in which the vent discharge valve and
air inlet valve are integrally provided as a three-way valve
disposed in the dual-function branch.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, in which the controller has a shaft
moveable between normal and actuated positions, and the three-way
valve has a valve member mechanically actuated by the shaft.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the toilet bowl has an outlet
connected to a vacuum source, and in which the controller is a
pneumatic controller operatively connected to the vacuum
source.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a check valve in
the vent branch, the check valve automatically operable to allow
air flow out of the reservoir while preventing rinse fluid flow out
of the reservoir.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, in which the check valve includes a
buoyant float sized to close the valve and movable between open and
closed positions, the float having a density less than rinse fluid
so that the float moves to the closed position as the rinse fluid
level in a portion of the air vent branch between the reservoir and
the check valve increases.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the toilet bowl has an outlet
connected to a vacuum source, and in which the controller is a
pneumatic controller operatively connected to the vacuum
source.
9. A vacuum toilet for use with a supply of rinse fluid, the supply
of rinse fluid being gravity fed to the vacuum toilet, and a source
of pressurized air, the toilet comprising:
a bowl for receiving waste material and having an outlet;
a vacuum source connected to the outlet of the bowl by a sewer
pipe;
a waste discharge valve disposed in the sewer pipe and operable
between open and closed positions;
an enclosed reservoir;
a rinse fluid inlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the supply of rinse fluid, a rinse fluid inlet
valve disposed in the rinse fluid inlet branch being normally open,
the rinse fluid inlet valve automatically operable to close,
thereby preventing fluid flow out of the reservoir;
a vent branch attached to the reservoir and open to atmosphere, a
vent discharge valve disposed in the vent branch and operable
between open and closed positions;
an air inlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the source of pressurized air, an air inlet
valve disposed in the air inlet branch and operable between open
and closed positions;
a rinse fluid outlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl, a rinse fluid discharge valve
disposed in the rinse fluid outlet branch and operable between open
and closed positions; and
a controller for selectively operating the vent discharge valve,
air inlet valve, rinse fluid outlet valve, and waste discharge
valve, wherein the vent discharge valve is normally open and the
air inlet valve, the rinse fluid outlet valve, and the waste
discharge valve are normally closed to allow the reservoir to fill
with rinse fluid, the controller being triggerable to move the vent
discharge valve to the closed position and move the air inlet valve
to the open position to thereby pressurize the rinse fluid in the
reservoir, the controller also moving the rinse fluid discharge
valve to the open position to send the pressurized rinse fluid to
the toilet bowl and the waste discharge valve to the open position
to evacuate the bowl.
10. The vacuum toilet of claim 9, in which the vent and air inlet
branches are integrally provided as a dual-function branch.
11. The vacuum toilet of claim 10, in which the vent discharge
valve and air inlet valve are integrally provided as a three-way
valve disposed in the dual-function branch.
12. The vacuum toilet of claim 11, in which the controller has a
shaft moveable between normal and actuated positions, and the
three-way valve has a valve member mechanically actuated by the
shaft.
13. The vacuum toilet of claim 12, in which the controller is a
pneumatic controller operatively connected to the vacuum
source.
14. The vacuum toilet of claim 9, further comprising a check valve
in the vent branch, the check valve automatically operable to allow
air flow out of the reservoir while preventing rinse fluid flow out
of the reservoir.
15. The vacuum toilet of claim 14, in which the check valve
includes a buoyant float sized to close the valve and movable
between open and closed positions, the float having a density less
than rinse fluid so that the float moves to the closed position as
the rinse fluid level in a portion of the air vent branch between
the reservoir and the check valve increases.
16. Apparatus for supplying pressurized water to a bowl of a
toilet, the apparatus adapted for use with a supply of water, the
supply of water being gravity fed to the apparatus, and a source of
pressurized air, the apparatus comprising:
an enclosed reservoir;
a water inlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the supply of water, a first check valve
disposed in the water inlet branch and oriented to allow water flow
into the reservoir while preventing water flow out of the
reservoir;
a three-way valve having a first port attached to the reservoir by
a dual-function branch, a second port open to atmosphere, and a
third port in fluid communication with the source of pressurized
air, a valve member of the three-way valve operable between a
normal position which establishes communication between the first
port and the second port and an actuated position which establishes
communication between the first port and the third port;
a second check valve disposed in the dual-function branch and
oriented to allow air flow out of the reservoir while preventing
water flow out of the reservoir;
a water outlet branch attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl, a water discharge valve
disposed in the rinse fluid outlet branch and operable between open
and closed positions; and
a controller for selectively operating the three-way valve and
water outlet valve, wherein the three-way valve is initially in the
normal position and the water outlet valve is normally in the
closed position to allow the reservoir to fill with water, the
controller being triggerable to move the three-way valve to the
actuated position to thereby pressurize the rinse fluid in the
reservoir, the controller also moving the water discharge valve to
the open position to send the pressurized water to the toilet
bowl.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, in which the controller has a shaft
moveable between normal and actuated positions, and the three-way
valve has a valve member mechanically actuated by the shaft.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, in which the toilet bowl has an
outlet connected to a vacuum source, the water valve is
vacuum-operated, and the controller is a pneumatic controller in
fluid communication with the vacuum source and operable to transfer
vacuum to the water valve.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a pneumatic flush
button adapted to trigger the controller.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to vacuum toilet systems,
and more particularly to apparatus for supplying pressurized water
to a vacuum toilet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vacuum toilet systems are widely used in various applications such
as trains and marine vessels, in place of standard, gravity
operated toilets found in most homes. Instead of using gravity
drainage piping, the toilet discharge is connected to a vacuum
source which pulls waste material through a discharge pipe to a
collection tank. A waste-receiving bowl is attached to the
discharge pipe, and a discharge valve disposed in the discharge
pipe controls when a vacuum is present in the bowl. One or more
nozzles for dispensing rinse fluid are typically located around a
rim of the waste-receiving bowl.
To provide a more complete rinse, it is desirable to use fluid that
is under pressure. Pressurized water is not always available on
trains or marine applications, but pressurized air generally is.
Accordingly, one
type of device is known which uses pressurized air to provide
pressurized rinse water. This device has a diaphragm disposed
inside a reservoir and movable between first and second positions.
A spring pushes the diaphragm to the first position which allows a
large volume of water to enter the reservoir. Pressurized air is
then used to overcome the force of the spring and push the
diaphragm to the second, compressed position. The diaphragm in the
second position pressurizes the water in the chamber to a pressure
equal to that of the incoming air. The pressurized water flows out
of the reservoir to rinse the bowl. A similar device uses vacuum
instead of the return spring to move the diaphragm to the first
position. The water pressurizers having diaphragms are overly
costly and difficult to assemble.
Another type of water pressurizer uses a controller and
electronically operated solenoid valves. A solenoid valve is used
to control communication between the source of pressurized air and
the reservoir so that, when the valve is opened, the fluid in the
reservoir is pressurized. Another solenoid valve is used to control
discharge of the pressurized fluid from the reservoir. Additional
solenoid valves may be used to provide other functions such as
controlling when unpressurized water is delivered to the reservoir.
These water pressurizing systems require a power source to operate
and requires components which are overly expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention,
apparatus is provided for supplying pressurized rinse water to a
toilet bowl. The apparatus is adapted for use with a supply of
rinse water, the rinse water being gravity fed to the apparatus,
and a source of pressurized air. The apparatus comprises an
enclosed reservoir. A rinse fluid inlet branch is attached to the
reservoir and in fluid communication with the supply of rinse
fluid. A rinse fluid inlet valve is disposed in the rinse fluid
inlet branch and is normally open but automatically operable to
close, thereby preventing fluid flow out of the reservoir. A vent
branch is attached to the reservoir and open to atmosphere, and a
vent discharge valve disposed in the vent branch and operable
between open and closed positions. An air inlet branch is attached
to the reservoir and in fluid communication with the source of
pressurized air. An air inlet valve disposed in the air inlet
branch and operable between open and closed positions. A rinse
fluid outlet branch is attached to the reservoir and in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl, while a rinse fluid discharge
valve is disposed in the rinse fluid outlet branch and operable
between open and closed positions. Finally, a controller is
provided for selectively operating the vent discharge valve, air
inlet valve, and rinse fluid outlet valve. The vent valve is
normally open and the air inlet valve and rinse fluid outlet valve
are normally closed to allow the reservoir to fill with rinse
fluid. The controller is triggerable to move the vent discharge
valve to the closed position and move the air inlet valve to the
open position to thereby pressurize the rinse fluid in the
reservoir. The controller also moves the rinse fluid discharge
valve to the open position to send the pressurized rinse fluid to
the toilet bowl.
In accordance with additional aspects of the present invention, a
vacuum toilet is provided for use with a supply of rinse fluid, the
supply of rinse fluid being gravity fed to the vacuum toilet, and a
source of pressurized air. The toilet comprises a bowl for
receiving waste material and having an outlet, a vacuum source
connected to the outlet of the bowl by a sewer pipe, and a waste
discharge valve disposed in the sewer pipe and operable between
open and closed positions. The toilet further has an enclosed
reservoir with a rinse fluid inlet branch attached to the reservoir
and in fluid communication with the supply of rinse fluid. A rinse
fluid inlet valve is disposed in the rinse fluid inlet branch and
is normally open but automatically operable to close, thereby
preventing fluid flow out of the reservoir. A vent branch is
attached to the reservoir and open to atmosphere, with a vent
discharge valve being disposed in the vent branch and operable
between open and closed positions. An air inlet branch is also
attached to the reservoir and in fluid communication with the
source of pressurized air, while an air inlet valve is disposed in
the air inlet branch and operable between open and closed
positions. A rinse fluid outlet branch is attached to the reservoir
and in fluid communication with the toilet bowl. A rinse fluid
discharge valve disposed in the rinse fluid outlet branch and
operable between open and closed position. Finally, a controller is
provided for selectively operating the vent discharge valve, air
inlet valve, rinse fluid outlet valve, and waste discharge valve.
The vent discharge valve is normally open and the air inlet valve,
the rinse fluid outlet valve, and the waste discharge valve are
normally closed to allow the reservoir to fill with rinse fluid.
The controller is triggerable to move the vent discharge valve to
the closed position and move the air inlet valve to the open
position to thereby pressurize the rinse fluid in the reservoir.
The controller also moves the rinse fluid discharge valve to the
open position to send the pressurized rinse fluid to the toilet
bowl and the waste discharge valve to the open position to evacuate
the bowl.
In accordance with still further aspects of the present invention,
apparatus is provided for supplying pressurized water to a bowl of
a toilet. The apparatus is adapted for use with a supply of water,
the supply of water being gravity fed to the apparatus, and a
source of pressurized air. The apparatus comprises an enclosed
reservoir having a water inlet branch attached to the reservoir and
in fluid communication with the supply of water. A first check
valve is disposed in the water inlet branch and oriented to allow
water flow into the reservoir while preventing water flow out of
the reservoir. A three-way valve is provided having a first port
attached to the reservoir by a dual-function branch, a second port
open to atmosphere, and a third port in fluid communication with
the source of pressurized air. A valve member of the three-way
valve is operable between a normal position which establishes
communication between the first port and the second port and an
actuated position which establishes communication between the first
port and the third port. A second check valve is disposed in the
dual-function branch and oriented to allow air flow out of the
reservoir while preventing water flow out of the reservoir. The
apparatus further includes a water outlet branch attached to the
reservoir and in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, with a
water discharge valve disposed in the rinse fluid outlet branch and
operable between open and closed positions. Finally, a controller
is provided for selectively operating the three-way valve and water
outlet valve. The three-way valve is initially in the normal
position and the water outlet valve is normally in the closed
position to allow the reservoir to fill with water, the controller
being triggerable to move the three-way valve to the actuated
position to thereby pressurize the rinse fluid in the reservoir.
The controller also moves the water discharge valve to the open
position to send the pressurized water to the toilet bowl.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates apparatus for pressurizing water
incorporated in a vacuum toilet system in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A vacuum toilet 10 incorporating apparatus for pressurizing rinse
water 12 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. As used herein,
rinse water includes water or any other type of fluid, provided
separately or mixed with water, used to rinse a toilet. The vacuum
toilet 10 illustrated at FIG. I and described below is intended for
installation in a train, but the present invention may also be
adapted for use in other applications, including different types of
mobile structures (such as marine vessels), and stationary building
structures.
The vacuum toilet 10 includes a waste-receiving bowl 14 defining an
interior space for receiving waste material. The bowl 14 has an
outlet opening 16 connected to an upstream side of a waste
discharge valve 18. A downstream side of the waste discharge valve
18 is connected to a sewer pipe 20 which leads to a collection tank
22. A vacuum source, such as a pump 24, is connected to the
connection tank 22 to create a vacuum therein. A controller 26
operates the waste discharge valve 18 to selectively establish a
vacuum in the bowl 14 to thereby transport waste material from the
bowl 14 to the collection tank 22.
The rinse water pressurizing apparatus 12 comprises a rinse water
tube 28 extending to the bowl 14. A nozzle 30 is attached to the
end of the rinse water tube 28 inside the bowl 14 to produce a
spray pattern which covers the interior of the bowl 14. While FIG.
1 illustrates only one rinse water tube 28 and nozzle 30, a
plurality of individual rinse water tubes and nozzles may be
provided about the interior of the bowl 14. In the alternative, a
single rinse water tube leading to a spray ring extending about the
interior of the bowl 14 may be used. The rinse water tube 28 is
connected to a water discharge valve 32 operatively connected to
the controller 26. The water discharge valve 32 is connected by a
water outlet branch 34 to a reservoir 36 for holding rise water. As
described in greater detailed below, the water discharge valve 32
is operated to discharge water from the reservoir and through the
rinse water tube 28 to the bowl 14. In the alternative, a spring
loaded check valve may be used in place of the controller-operated
water discharge valve 32. The spring of the check valve is selected
with a spring force which allows the valve to open at a
predetermined pressure, thereby supplying pressurized rinse water
to the toilet 10.
A supply of water 38 is also connected to the reservoir 36. The
water supply 38 is connected to a water inlet valve 40 which allows
fluid flow in a single direction toward the reservoir 36. In a
preferred embodiment, the water inlet valve 40 is a check valve.
The water inlet valve 40 is connected by a water inlet branch to
the reservoir 36. The water supply 38 is located above the
reservoir 36 to provide gravity fed rinse water to the reservoir
36.
A source of pressurized air 42 is also connected to the reservoir
36 by an inlet tube 43 and an air inlet branch 44. The pressurized
air source 42, which may provide air at pressures as high as 140
psi, is in fluid communication with an air inlet valve 46. A
regulator 48 may be disposed between the pressurized air source 42
and the air inlet valve 46 to provide air at a desired pressure,
typically approximately 40 psi. The air inlet valve 46 is
operatively connected to the controller 26.
According to the currently preferred embodiment illustrated at FIG.
1, the air inlet branch 44 also doubles as a vent branch, to
provide a dual-function branch. A vent valve 50 is disposed in the
vent branch and is automatically operable to allow air flow out of
the reservoir 36 while preventing water flow out of the reservoir
36 as the reservoir fills with water. The vent valve 50 is
preferably a check valve having a buoyant float moveable between
open and closed-valve positions. In the open-valve position, the
float is spaced from a valve seat in the valve 50 so that air may
flow therethrough. The vent valve 50 is positioned below a top edge
of the reservoir 36 so that, as the reservoir 36 fills with water,
the portion of the air inlet branch 44 extending between the
reservoir 36 and vent valve 50 also fills with water. In a
preferred embodiment, the vent valve 50 is positioned a distance
"D" below the top of the reservoir 36 to allow for expansion of the
rinse water due to freezing, so that the reservoir 36 does not
crack in the event that the toilet 10 is exposed to cold
temperatures. The rising water level in the air inlet branch 44
pushes the float toward the valve seat to close the vent valve 50,
thereby preventing water flow out of the reservoir 36 and through
the air inlet branch 44.
In the alternative, the vent branch may be provided separate from
the air inlet branch. In this embodiment, the separate vent branch
carries the vent valve 50 and a dedicated vent discharge valve,
while the air inlet branch has a dedicated air inlet valve.
Returning to the illustrated embodiment, a vent discharge valve 52
is provided for controlling discharge of air vented from the
reservoir 36 to atmosphere. In the currently preferred embodiment,
the vent discharge valve 52 is integrally provided with the air
inlet valve 46 to form a three-way valve 54. The three-way valve 54
has a first port connected to the air inlet branch 44, a second
port connected to atmosphere, and a third port connected to the
inlet tube 43. The three-way valve 54 has a valve member operable
between a normal position, in which the valve establishes
communication between the first and second ports (i.e., between the
air inlet branch 44 and atmosphere), and an actuated position, in
which the valve 54 establishes communication between the first port
and the third port (i.e., between the inlet tube 43 and the air
inlet branch 44). The three-way valve 54 is preferably operatively
coupled to the controller 26, as described in greater detail
below.
The controller 26 is preferably a pneumatic controller which
utilizes vacuum present in the sewer pipe 20 to actuate valves
connected thereto. The controller 26 is preferably similar to that
sold by EVAC International as part number 57755 00. Accordingly,
the controller 26 is responsive to a trigger, such as flush button
56. In the preferred embodiment, a tube 58 connects the flush
button 56 to the controller 26. The flush button 56 is adapted to
generate an increased pressure level in the tube 58 which triggers
the controller 26 to activate the attached valves. The controller
26 transfers vacuum from the sewer pipe 20 to various internal
chambers of the controller which are connected to the waste and
water discharge valves 18, 32. For example, the controller 26
transfers vacuum to the waste discharge valve 18, which acts to
open the waste discharge valve 18, thereby transporting any waste
material in the bowl 14. Vacuum is also transferred to the water
discharge valve 32 to open the valve, thereby discharging
pressurized rinse water through the rinse water tube 28.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the waste and water
discharge valves 18, 32 are preferably pneumatically operable.
The controller 26 preferably includes an internal flexible
diaphragm having a shaft attached thereto so that, when the
controller 26 is triggered, the diaphragm and attached shaft are
displaced. The three-way valve 54 is preferably attached to the
controller 26 so that the shaft of the controller mechanically
operates the valve member of the three-way valve 54. Accordingly,
when the shaft is in a normal position, the valve member of the
three-way valve 54 is also in the normal position which allows air
in the reservoir 36 to vent to atmosphere through the air inlet
branch 44. When the controller 26 is activated so that the shaft
moves to a displaced position, the shaft moves the valve member of
the three-way valve 54 to the actuated position, which shuts off
the vent and establishes communication between the pressurized air
source 42 and the air inlet branch 44.
Operation of the water pressurizer in particular will now be
described. Initially, when the reservoir 36 is empty, the water
discharge valve 32 is closed and the three-way valve 54 is
positioned to allow air from the reservoir 36 to vent to
atmosphere. Because the fluid level in the reservoir 36, and thus
the portion of the air inlet branch 44 extending between the
reservoir 36 and the vent valve 50, is below the float of the vent
valve, the vent valve 50 is open. Water from the water supply 38 is
allowed to flow through the water inlet valve 40 to collect in the
reservoir 36. As the reservoir 36 fills, air displaced by the water
vents through the air inlet branch 44, vent valve 50, and three-way
valve 54 to discharge into atmosphere. When the water level in the
reservoir 36 nears the top, the float of the vent valve 50 engages
the valve seat to prevent passage of fluid through the vent valve
50. As a result, the flow of water from the water supply 38 ceases,
since air may no longer be displaced by water in the reservoir 36.
The apparatus for pressurizing rinse water 12 remains in this
condition until the controller 26 is triggered. When the controller
26 is activated, the valve member of the three-way valve 54 moves
to the actuated position which establishes communication between
the pressurized air source 42 and the air inlet branch 44. The
pressurized air
overcomes the seating force of the float in the vent valve 50 to
pressurize the water in the reservoir 36. The increased pressure in
the reservoir 36 also forces the water inlet valve 40 closed. The
controller 26 also opens the water discharge valve 32 so that the
pressurized water exits the reservoir 36 and passes through the
rinse water tube 28 to discharge into the bowl 14. The controller
26 opens the water discharge valve 32 approximately simultaneously
as the three-way valve 54 is moved to the actuated position. The
controller 26 may, however, delay opening the water discharge valve
32 for a period of time (e.g. 0.1 sec.) to ensure that the water in
the reservoir 36 is pressurized. After a predetermined amount of
time, the water valve shuts and the three-way valve again
establishes communication between the air inlet branch 44 and
atmosphere so that the same process may be repeated.
As the above process is carried out, waste material collected in
the bowl 14 is discharged into the collection tank 22. The waste
discharge valve 18 is also operatively connected to the controller
26 so that when the controller 26 is activated, the waste discharge
valve 18 opens. When the waste discharge valve 18 is open, vacuum
is established at a bottom portion of the bowl 14 while atmospheric
pressure is present near the top of the bowl. The resulting
pressure differential pushes any waste material in the bowl 14
through the waste discharge valve 18 and sewer pipe 20 to collect
in the tank 22. In certain applications where a pool of rinse water
in the toilet is desired (such as in many marine applications), the
waste discharge valve 18 closes before the water discharge valve
32. In other applications, such as in most train applications, a
pool of water is undesirable and therefore the waste discharge
valve 18 remains open after the water discharge valve 32 closes so
that rinse water discharged into the bowl 14 is also transported to
the collection tank 22.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present
invention brings to the art new and improved apparatus for
pressurizing toilet rinse water. The apparatus includes a reservoir
for receiving gravity fed rinse water from a water supply. The
reservoir is also connected to an air vent and a pressurized air
intake. A water discharge valve is attached to the reservoir for
controlling discharge of rinse water to a toilet bowl. The water
discharge valve is preferably pneumatically operated and a valve
for controlling flow of pressurized air is preferably mechanically
operated so that a power source is not required to supply
pressurized rinse water to the bowl.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of
understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be
understood therefrom, as modifications would be obvious to those
skilled in the art.
* * * * *